Brighton and Hove Council Introduces Landlord Licensing and Infrastructure Safety Measures
Published on 07/27/2026 at 06:37 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Brighton and Hove City Council is rolling out a series of regulatory changes that will affect private landlords, property managers, and residents across the city. The measures include a new licensing scheme for landlords, the revocation of decades-old environmental orders, and road modifications aimed at improving pedestrian safety and enabling utility upgrades.
New Landlord Licensing Scheme to Tackle Rental Standards
The council has announced a selective licensing scheme for private landlords in the Central Hove and Regency wards, set to begin in October 2026. The five-year programme will require owners of single-family homes and flats that are not already covered by Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing to obtain a formal licence.
Applications open on October 20, 2026. Under the new regulations, operating without a licence will be a criminal offence, carrying the risk of unlimited fines or rent repayment orders. The move comes as landlords across the country adapt to the Renters' Rights Act, with recent industry surveys showing that 94% of landlords have already changed their business practices — many strengthening compliance measures or revising tenancy agreements.
Environmental Orders Revoked After Five Decades
The council has revoked five smoke control orders originally established between 1974 and 1979 under the Clean Air Act. The revocation was approved on June 11 and published this month, but will not take effect until at least six months after confirmation by the Secretary of State.
Road Closures and Safety Improvements Planned
Infrastructure safety remains a priority, with several road closures scheduled from August 3 to November 16, 2026, to facilitate gas main replacement works. The closures will affect Carden Crescent, Peacock Lane, and Hallett Road.
Separately, the council is proposing new parking and loading restrictions on Surrenden Road near Varndean College. These changes are designed to accommodate pavement buildouts and improve safety at pedestrian crossings.
National Context: Building Safety and Housing Standards
The local changes come as the UK government introduces new protections for home upgrades through the Installation Assurance Authority (IAA). This body will act as a single consumer protection service for the retrofit industry, maintaining a public register of approved installers to address concerns over poor-quality insulation work.
Building safety remains a critical focus following a landmark ruling under the Building Safety Act 2022. An adjudicator recently awarded £14.9 million against Ardmore Construction for fire safety defects at a Portsmouth development. The ruling allows for the pursuit of parent companies through Building Liability Orders, setting a precedent for corporate accountability in the construction sector.
The government has also adjusted timelines for environmental housing standards, delaying the Future Homes Standard until March 2028. Once implemented, the standard will require new homes to produce 75% fewer emissions compared to 2013 levels, mandating the use of heat pumps and solar panels in new builds.
Disclaimer regarding our articles: No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Information on prices, companies, and markets is provided without guarantee; changes are possible at any time. Stock market transactions can lead to substantial losses. Our articles are created and reviewed in whole or in part automatically with the support of AI.
